The United Center mass vaccination site on Monday, March 29, 2021. (WTTW News)

Chicago will open all city-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites to youth ages 12-15 on Thursday, officials announced Tuesday.

The news comes just a day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine to children as young as 12.

“Current data show that the vaccine is safe and effective in children, and it not only protects our kids, but also their families and our communities,” Dr. Alison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said in a statement. 

Appointments for Thursday can be booked now by calling 312-746-4835 or using the website www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. All of the vaccine sites will accept walk-ins for 12- to 15-year-olds effective Thursday. A parent or guardian must accompany any minor under age 18, and unvaccinated parents and guardians will be encouraged to receive a vaccine as well. No appointment will be necessary, although pre-registration is encouraged.

The following city-operated vaccination sites with Pfizer will be open to youth ages 12 and older:

—Gallagher Way (Wrigley Field), 1119 W. Waveland Ave.

—Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave.

—Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive

—United Center, 1724 W. Madison St. 

—Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Road

—Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.

—Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave.

All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no cost to everyone, no insurance or ID required. 

Moderna also has a trial underway studying its vaccine in teens. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. 

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]